Chapter 16 [Riverside Inn]

Miranda stepped out of the elevator. Her eyes bounced between phone's text and her surroundings. Senses remained on full alert. Echoes reverberated off of the area's tiles and polished wood. Still, Experience reminded her of Ambush's possibilities even under such conditions. Hope everyone's okay up there. The Boss is distracted with Captain Plaid and Mrs. Kent. I hope everything else works. Let's keep this quick. Shall we?

Being in the open had its drawbacks especially if Arighatto was really around….

Come on! Last thing I want to do is attract the Step-Bastard's attention! She surveyed the area yet again. Ill at Ease bit into her mind. Her hand remained close to the short sword under her coat. She spied but a single traveler at the reception desk. Caution kept her in first position. A presence strummed across her senses. What the?

A lanky dark-haired woman watched her from across the lobby. Formal rouge dress slacks, a white blouse, and dress coat peeked out from under a trench coat. Intense eyes bored right into Miranda's. Her soles clacked across the expanse toward Miranda. Her aura threatened to overload Miranda's senses.

Miranda looked the other woman over. In fact, Recognition linked the sensation to Clark and Lana. What the? I thought they were the last two like them? There's someone else? Seriously? Do they know? She hustled toward her voyeur. She needed to know. Who are you, Lady? If you're who I think you are, you can hear me!

The woman shook her head. Very good. Not yet, Miri Ma. Be alert. I will watch. You have another friend waiting. We will meet again soon. Arighatto is in the City. A slight smile perked up across her mouth. She melted away into Shadow's cover. Breeze billowed adjacent counter's materials onto the floor.

Miranda skidded to a halt by the disheveled papers. Remnant energies burned into her senses. I really need to ask the Boss and Captain Plaid. She can move like they can! And she called me Miri Ma? Really? That means she knew Daddy, Uncle Dave, or the Boss! She scratched her head.

"Dark Sister?"

Miranda stiffened. She turned. "When tiger roars…."

"Close the cage doors." Snapdragon stepped into the light. As with Voyeur, she wore a trench coat. Dark leggings and boots peeked out from under the coat's bottom seam. Olive eyes assessed Miranda under beret. Scarf obscured her nose and mouth. "It has been too long, Miri." She embraced Miranda.

"Likewise. I'm sorry. I couldn't contact you. Thank you for saving us." Miranda returned the hug. "Back in Smallville, I am being watched."

"I know. That one has eyes everywhere." Snapdragon stepped back. "That woman. She's watched this place all afternoon. Several times, I tried to approach. She appears and vanishes like ghost."

"She just ghosted me too." Miranda shook her head. "She's a meta at the very least. I felt her energy from the time I stepped off the elevator. She did the mind thing with me too."

"Is she like…?" Snapdragon motioned toward the ceiling.

"I think so." A dark frown twisted Miranda's mouth. "Great. That secret's out." She bowed her head.

"That is Captain Plaid's fault not yours, Miri." Snapdragon shrugged. "We needed a codename for him. Yours suits him. We gave it to him officially." Sarcastic snort puffed through her nostrils. "He is in need of guidance. He has exposed himself and Agent Pink beyond all recall. Dr. Swann hopes not. Still, he is fearful."

"Well, thank him for sending you to m…us…I meant us." Crimson blushed across her cheeks. In spite of years' passage since their previous meeting, she felt warm. She bit her lip.

"It's all right." Snapdragon rubbed Miranda's arm. "I have not forgotten either. I know. You are one of the few not to judge me. Our sensei knew. A few of our fellow ninja know. They do not care. Patience. Captain Plaid's actions have forced certain decisions. Speaking with police required certain favors with your State Department. Meantime, I…wait…" She bowed her head. Shyness melted her resolve.

"Snapdragon, if you need…." Miranda clammed up. She looked around again. "Forget it. I don't want to expose you."

"Thank you for your offer. Arrangements will be made soon enough. Be watchful tonight. I will be close by if needed. Watch for the Black Hand. They have sought the kitana in the past. Your new friends. Nice but need watching. Yes? The young man has connections. Take care with him." Snapdragon looked about. "I am here too long. I should go."

"Hai." Miranda bowed. Regret and Lament sagged down on her heart. "Domo arighato, my Friend."

"And to you. One last thing. Nyoki Tuishiama, the faculty coordinator, knew your family in the past. She will know you. She is our ally. It is good to see you again, Miri." Snapdragon's eyes lingered for several heartbeats. Then, she turned and walked back into the shadows.

So weird. And now, she's returned after all of these years. Miranda rubbed the back of her neck. Maybe it was meant that Lana's with Clark after all. She deleted the text message. Now back to the others. A slight tremor rippled through herself.

For a heartbeat, Arighatto glared at her. Then, akin to Mirage, he vanished anew….

Great. He knows. He saw us. I should let everyone know. Maybe we should cancel this museum trip? At the least, I can let Gwen's Dad know. Miranda headed for the elevator and back to the others.

Exposure could help or hurt after all….